Israel's Record

March 24, 1985|Sunday Call-Chronicle

To the Editor:

Limitations of space preclude an appropriate assessment of many omissions in your report on the Middle East, published last month. Therefore, I will restrict my response to Israel's human rights record.

No country in the world's human rights record is subjected to such microscopic dissection and critical press scrutiny as that of Israel, especially its administration of Judea, Samaria and the Gaza district. There is an extreme form of double standard: Wholesale violations of human rights, as in Libya, Iraq, Syria and many other repressive Middle East police states, are casually taken for granted and passed over in silence. But let an Arab detained on suspicion of terrorism cry foul - and the hot glare of international publicity is swiftly focused on the case.

There have doubtless been some infringements in the administered territories: Of what democratic society can this not be said? Yet insufficient attention is paid to the determining circumstances in judging Israel's record: Our very existence is on the line. Israel is surrounded by Arab regimes that still act as belligerents and proclaim their intention to exterminate us - and have waged war and terrorism upon us since 1948. This is a unique situation not faced by any other democracy or, for that matter, any other state in the world.

Israel's record concerning the administered territories of Judea, Samaria and Gaza, referred to as the "West Bank," is extraordinarily good. From the outset, humanitarian principles have guided Israel's administration of the territories. Based on the assumption that whatever the ultimate political solution is reached, the Jewish and Arab peoples of the region, with natural and logical ties between them, will continue to live side by side. The Israeli administration has embarked on an extensive program of economic and social development for these areas.

Living standards have risen dramatically throughout the period of Israeli control. A building boom has created a demand for more and better consumer products, resulting in the expansion of local industry and agriculture. There has been a marked improvement in health care, health insurance and health standards. In these matters, the Arabs of Judea and Samaria are substantially ahead of those who live in the surrounding Arab countries.

Educational standards have progressed materially. There are four universities and two colleges, with over 4,600 students in Judea, Samaria and Gaza, where no such institutions existed prior to 1967. As long as Arab students do not throw bombs, or stones or incite violence, they are free to criticize and protest Israeli policies, more so than their counterparts in Arab countries. When a university, particularly Bir Zeit, which is notorious for its radicalism, has been closed for limited periods and some students detained, it has been for violent street demonstrations and disturbances of the peace.

Freedom of movement between Israel and the areas is virtually unlimited. Trade union activity is encouraged and strikes are tolerated. Local administration is in the hands of the Arab residents; public order is maintained by a local Arab police force which carries arms. Freedom of religion is axiomatic.

There is no summary incarceration. All suspects are guaranteed trial and the right of appeal. All defendants are entitled to legal aid and counsel; any resident may petition the Court against the Israeli government, its ministers, civil servants and administrators. In more than a few cases the court has reversed official policy and ruled in favor of petitioners and defendants. Torture is forbidden by law and penalties for infringement are severe.

The people of Israel look forward to peace with our Arab neighbors. Peace will be made on the day the Arab governments of Jordan, Syria and Saudi Arabia recognize the existence of Israel as an equal partner in the Middle East and will open direct negotiations to settle all outstanding issues.